Plains Cree: A Grammatical Study - Computer Science Club

Although the goal of linguistic description is well
known, the complexity of language is such that a
complete grammar does not exist of any language,
ancient or modern. Since the linguistic study of a
particular language is a cumulative process, however,
it is useful to provide progress reports at certain
points: neglected areas will then become obvious and
research plans can be integrated into a coherent
scheme.
The present study outlines an integrated statement
of the morphological structure of the Plains dialect
of Cree, an Algonquian language. While its primary
aim is to provide a framework for further investi-
gation, this work may also serve as an introduction
to the study of Cree texts.
The exposition of the grammatical categories of
Cree is based on a detailed morphological and semantic
analysis of the inflectional paradigms. The sketch
of word formation, which is necessarily less compre-
hensive, is intended to highlight some of the more
productive and characteristic patterns of derivation
and composition.
This study is a revised version of my 1969 Yale
University dissertation, "An Outline of Plains Cree
Morphology" whose basic orientation remains un-
changed. It is primarily based on data collected in
Alberta in 1967-1968; more recent and continuing
informant work, mainly in Manitoba, requires only
one or two additions which are specifically noted in
the text. Examples are also drawn from the pub-
lished texts of Leonard Bloomfield.
I am grateful to Floyd G. Lounsbury for his
criticisms and suggestions during the writing of the
PREFACE
3
original manuscript; in many cases he pointed out
the more general implications of specific problems.
Warren C. Cowgill was kind enough to send me a long
and detailed list of comments. Thanks are also due
to Charles F. Hockett who first introduced me to the
"marvellous complexity" (Bloomfield) of the Algon-
quian languages; he has read and extensively criti-
cized all my efforts in Algonquian linguistics, including
the present one, and where I have disregarded his
advice, I alone am to blame. The greatest debt,
of course, is to the Cree speakers who with consider-
able patience and generosity taught me some under-
standing of their language.
It is a pleasure to acknowledge the field support
during 1967-1968 of the National Science Foundation
(GS-1535), the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthro-
pological Research, and the Phillips Fund of the
American Philosophical Society; and from 1969 to
1971, of the Research Board of the University of
Manitoba. The writing of the original dissertation
was supported by Yale University which, together
with the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, also
largely financed my graduate studies.
From Oblate Fathers to sound technicians, acknowl-
edgments are due to more people than can be named.
This preface would be incomplete, however, without
special thanks to my wife Juliane whose part in it far
exceeds that of the perfect Cree typist.
nikdwiy e-wi-petamawak.
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Canada
December 1971
H.C.W.